Psalm 75
The Lord is awesome and good. The last couple of days we have been encouraged to remember all the great things God has done for us. We continue to remember His might each day and He continues to fortify our faith. We also keep in mind what The Lord will do, what He has promised will happen. Verse 1 reads,
“We give thanks to you, O God;
we give thanks, for your name is near.
We recount your wondrous deeds.”
We not only thank The Lord for all He has done but also all He will do. His promises are so sure, we can count them as done. We have faith that God will always overcome, always do what is good, and always be with us. We recount God’s wondrous deeds so that He is glorified. We recount His awesome works so that people will know who Jesus is and have the opportunity to make Him Lord of their lives. We recount His beautiful acts so that we can spread the Gospel and make disciples of every nation.
One promise He has made is judgement. God will judge the earth and there is only one criterion for this judgement. It will not be based on wealth, status, race, or ability. It will not be centered on how good or bad we are, or how much good or bad we have done. It will be founded on whether Jesus is our Lord or not. Verses 2-5 say,
“At the set time that I appoint
I will judge with equity.
3 When the earth totters, and all its inhabitants,
it is I who keep steady its pillars. Selah
4 I say to the boastful, ‘Do not boast,’
and to the wicked, ‘Do not lift up your horn;
5 do not lift up your horn on high,
or speak with haughty neck.’”
God is a God of equity, which is impartiality, justice, and evenhandedness. He doesn’t consider some people better than others. In Christ every person is equal. Men are not more favored than women. Israelites are not more preferred than the Chinese. Race, gender, or socio-economic status do not have clout with The Lord. He loves each and every person equally. He offers Salvation to everyone the same, and never forces His will upon us. We are all measured on one thing and we have all fallen short of the standard. And we all have the same chance to receive the gift of forgiveness through Jesus Christ. Romans 3:21-25 says,
“But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— 22 the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God's righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. 26 It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.”
Everyone has sinned. We are all born sinners. No one can raise himself above that. But Jesus does elevate us from sinner to saint. All we have to do is ask and He gives us His righteousness. Those who try and exalt themselves to righteousness will fail and fall. God gives us all the exact same path to Salvation. It is Jesus Christ or nothing. Good works cannot save anyone. Only God’s work can save.
People judge and our judgement brings bias, prejudice, racism, hate, favoritism, and inequality. Our judgement created social classes, oppression, and privilege. Our judgment created yardsticks for measuring appearances and value. But God created us all, not just some in His image. (Genesis 1:26-27). God loves everyone dearly. And God made a way for us all to attain salvation. In John 3:16-18 Jesus puts it this way,
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.”
God’s judgement is not like the judgement of man. He is our Almighty Omniscient Creator. His judgement is fair and perfect. It isn’t based on how much we have accomplished. He doesn’t care what the world sees as our potential. With God our potential is limitless, all things are possible. Matthew 19:23-30 reads,
“And Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly, I say to you, only with difficulty will a rich person enter the kingdom of heaven. 24 Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.” 25 When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished, saying, “Who then can be saved?” 26 But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” 27 Then Peter said in reply, “See, we have left everything and followed you. What then will we have?” 28 Jesus said to them, “Truly, I say to you, in the new world when the Son of Man will sit on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29 And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands, for my name's sake, will receive a hundredfold and will inherit eternal life. 30 But many who are first will be last, and the last first.”
People don’t want to believe that there will be a Judgement Day, but there will be. Verses 6-8 describe it this way,
“For not from the east or from the west
and not from the wilderness comes lifting up,
7 but it is God who executes judgment,
putting down one and lifting up another.
8 For in the hand of the Lord there is a cup
with foaming wine, well mixed,
and he pours out from it,
and all the wicked of the earth
shall drain it down to the dregs.”
Who is it that God will put down and who will He lift up? It all hinges on Jesus. Matthew 26:26-29 says,
“Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.” 27 And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you, 28 for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. 29 I tell you I will not drink again of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom.”
That night Jesus was arrested (Matthew 26:46-56). He was laid down His life on the cross the next day. He poured out His blood to save us. (Matthew 27:32-44). And on the third day, He rose again, our Risen Savior. (Matthew 28:1-10).
Jesus drank that cup for us. He drank the condemnation, punishment, and payment for our sins for us. But those who reject Christ they’ll drink every last drop of God’s wrath themselves. Revelation 14:17-20 describes it this way,
“Then another angel came out of the temple in heaven, and he too had a sharp sickle. 18 And another angel came out from the altar, the angel who has authority over the fire, and he called with a loud voice to the one who had the sharp sickle, “Put in your sickle and gather the clusters from the vine of the earth, for its grapes are ripe.” 19 So the angel swung his sickle across the earth and gathered the grape harvest of the earth and threw it into the great winepress of the wrath of God. 20 And the winepress was trodden outside the city, and blood flowed from the winepress, as high as a horse's bridle, for 1,600 stadia.[1]”
Jesus is described again as our Righteous Warrior King and Judge in Revelation 19:11-16.
“Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war. 12 His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on his head are many diadems, and he has a name written that no one knows but himself. 13 He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and the name by which he is called is The Word of God. 14 And the armies of heaven, arrayed in fine linen, white and pure, were following him on white horses. 15 From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty. 16 On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords.”
Will you drink the cup or did Jesus drink it for you? Will you recount it to the world so that they too can ask Jesus to drink their cup for them? Will you judge as the world judges, or will you let God be the judge and care enough about the oppressed, prisoners, widows, orphans, and poor to tell them about the freedom, treasures, and love of Jesus? Will you lift them up? Verses 9-10 read,
“But I will declare it forever;
I will sing praises to the God of Jacob.
10 All the horns of the wicked I will cut off,
but the horns of the righteous shall be lifted up.”
[1] That is a river of blood about 5 feet tall and 184 miles long
The Lord is awesome and good. The last couple of days we have been encouraged to remember all the great things God has done for us. We continue to remember His might each day and He continues to fortify our faith. We also keep in mind what The Lord will do, what He has promised will happen. Verse 1 reads,
“We give thanks to you, O God;
we give thanks, for your name is near.
We recount your wondrous deeds.”
We not only thank The Lord for all He has done but also all He will do. His promises are so sure, we can count them as done. We have faith that God will always overcome, always do what is good, and always be with us. We recount God’s wondrous deeds so that He is glorified. We recount His awesome works so that people will know who Jesus is and have the opportunity to make Him Lord of their lives. We recount His beautiful acts so that we can spread the Gospel and make disciples of every nation.
One promise He has made is judgement. God will judge the earth and there is only one criterion for this judgement. It will not be based on wealth, status, race, or ability. It will not be centered on how good or bad we are, or how much good or bad we have done. It will be founded on whether Jesus is our Lord or not. Verses 2-5 say,
“At the set time that I appoint
I will judge with equity.
3 When the earth totters, and all its inhabitants,
it is I who keep steady its pillars. Selah
4 I say to the boastful, ‘Do not boast,’
and to the wicked, ‘Do not lift up your horn;
5 do not lift up your horn on high,
or speak with haughty neck.’”
God is a God of equity, which is impartiality, justice, and evenhandedness. He doesn’t consider some people better than others. In Christ every person is equal. Men are not more favored than women. Israelites are not more preferred than the Chinese. Race, gender, or socio-economic status do not have clout with The Lord. He loves each and every person equally. He offers Salvation to everyone the same, and never forces His will upon us. We are all measured on one thing and we have all fallen short of the standard. And we all have the same chance to receive the gift of forgiveness through Jesus Christ. Romans 3:21-25 says,
“But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— 22 the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God's righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. 26 It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.”
Everyone has sinned. We are all born sinners. No one can raise himself above that. But Jesus does elevate us from sinner to saint. All we have to do is ask and He gives us His righteousness. Those who try and exalt themselves to righteousness will fail and fall. God gives us all the exact same path to Salvation. It is Jesus Christ or nothing. Good works cannot save anyone. Only God’s work can save.
People judge and our judgement brings bias, prejudice, racism, hate, favoritism, and inequality. Our judgement created social classes, oppression, and privilege. Our judgment created yardsticks for measuring appearances and value. But God created us all, not just some in His image. (Genesis 1:26-27). God loves everyone dearly. And God made a way for us all to attain salvation. In John 3:16-18 Jesus puts it this way,
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.”
God’s judgement is not like the judgement of man. He is our Almighty Omniscient Creator. His judgement is fair and perfect. It isn’t based on how much we have accomplished. He doesn’t care what the world sees as our potential. With God our potential is limitless, all things are possible. Matthew 19:23-30 reads,
“And Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly, I say to you, only with difficulty will a rich person enter the kingdom of heaven. 24 Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.” 25 When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished, saying, “Who then can be saved?” 26 But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” 27 Then Peter said in reply, “See, we have left everything and followed you. What then will we have?” 28 Jesus said to them, “Truly, I say to you, in the new world when the Son of Man will sit on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29 And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands, for my name's sake, will receive a hundredfold and will inherit eternal life. 30 But many who are first will be last, and the last first.”
People don’t want to believe that there will be a Judgement Day, but there will be. Verses 6-8 describe it this way,
“For not from the east or from the west
and not from the wilderness comes lifting up,
7 but it is God who executes judgment,
putting down one and lifting up another.
8 For in the hand of the Lord there is a cup
with foaming wine, well mixed,
and he pours out from it,
and all the wicked of the earth
shall drain it down to the dregs.”
Who is it that God will put down and who will He lift up? It all hinges on Jesus. Matthew 26:26-29 says,
“Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.” 27 And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you, 28 for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. 29 I tell you I will not drink again of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom.”
That night Jesus was arrested (Matthew 26:46-56). He was laid down His life on the cross the next day. He poured out His blood to save us. (Matthew 27:32-44). And on the third day, He rose again, our Risen Savior. (Matthew 28:1-10).
Jesus drank that cup for us. He drank the condemnation, punishment, and payment for our sins for us. But those who reject Christ they’ll drink every last drop of God’s wrath themselves. Revelation 14:17-20 describes it this way,
“Then another angel came out of the temple in heaven, and he too had a sharp sickle. 18 And another angel came out from the altar, the angel who has authority over the fire, and he called with a loud voice to the one who had the sharp sickle, “Put in your sickle and gather the clusters from the vine of the earth, for its grapes are ripe.” 19 So the angel swung his sickle across the earth and gathered the grape harvest of the earth and threw it into the great winepress of the wrath of God. 20 And the winepress was trodden outside the city, and blood flowed from the winepress, as high as a horse's bridle, for 1,600 stadia.[1]”
Jesus is described again as our Righteous Warrior King and Judge in Revelation 19:11-16.
“Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war. 12 His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on his head are many diadems, and he has a name written that no one knows but himself. 13 He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and the name by which he is called is The Word of God. 14 And the armies of heaven, arrayed in fine linen, white and pure, were following him on white horses. 15 From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty. 16 On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords.”
Will you drink the cup or did Jesus drink it for you? Will you recount it to the world so that they too can ask Jesus to drink their cup for them? Will you judge as the world judges, or will you let God be the judge and care enough about the oppressed, prisoners, widows, orphans, and poor to tell them about the freedom, treasures, and love of Jesus? Will you lift them up? Verses 9-10 read,
“But I will declare it forever;
I will sing praises to the God of Jacob.
10 All the horns of the wicked I will cut off,
but the horns of the righteous shall be lifted up.”
[1] That is a river of blood about 5 feet tall and 184 miles long
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